Dick in a Box

Akiva Schaffer, Andy Samberg, and Jorma Taccone met while attending junior high together in Berkeley, California.{{cite web|url=http://splitsider.com/2012/08/a-video-guide-to-the-lonely-islands-pre-snl-years/|title=A Video Guide to The Lonely Island's Pre-SNL Years|work=Splitsider|date=August 22, 2012|accessdate=August 22, 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824102043/http://splitsider.com/2012/08/a-video-guide-to-the-lonely-islands-pre-snl-years/|archivedate=August 24, 2012|first=Bradford|last=Evans}} They decided to move to Los Angeles in September 2000 and formed the comedy trio The Lonely Island, named after the nickname they gave to the apartment they shared. They hosted several short films on their website before signing to the variety show Saturday Night Live (SNL) in late August 2005.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2005/09/69042|title=Open Source Opens Doors to SNL|first=Xeni|last=Jardin|date=September 30, 2005|accessdate= September 30, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808071454/http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2005/09/69042|archivedate=8 August 2012|magazine=Wired}} Samberg was promoted as a performing member for the 32nd season, while Taccone and Schaffer joined the show as writers. In December, the trio wrote and recorded "Lazy Sunday" with fellow cast member Chris Parnell, which was broadcast as their second Digital Short.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1184075,00.html|title=Straight Outta Narnia|magazine=Time|date=April 17, 2006|accessdate=April 17, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060911183814/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1184075,00.html|archivedate=September 11, 2006|url-status=live|first=Joel|last=Stein}} The gangsta rap song received over five million views on YouTube by February 2006, becoming the first television clip to go viral on the online video platform.{{harvnb|Musgrove|2006|page=5C}} The track's popularity contributed to the success of YouTube and reintroduced SNL to a younger audience.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/hollywood-flashback-snls-lazy-sunday-put-youtube-map-2005-1044829/|title=Hollywood Flashback: SNL's 'Lazy Sunday' Put YouTube on the Map in 2005|work=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Bill|last=Higgins|date=October 5, 2017|accessdate=October 5, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713153942/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/hollywood-flashback-snls-lazy-sunday-put-youtube-map-2005-1044829/|archivedate=July 13, 2021|url-status=live}}{{harvnb|Coyle|2006|page=E2}}

Justin Timberlake first appeared on SNL as a musical guest in 2000, performing as a member of the American boy band NSYNC. He subsequently appeared as both host and musical guest in an episode in October 2003,{{cite web|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/photos/2021/05/saturday-night-lives-wildest-weirdest-and-most-regrettable-hosts|title=Saturday Night Live{{'}}s Wildest, Weirdest, and Most Regrettable Hosts|work=Vanity Fair|first1=Chris|last1=Murphy|first2=Joanna|last2=Robinson|date=May 7, 2021|accessdate=May 7, 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507204133/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/photos/2021/05/saturday-night-lives-wildest-weirdest-and-most-regrettable-hosts|archivedate=7 May 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/justin-timberlakes-futuresex-lovesounds-10-things-you-didnt-know-121060/|title=Justin Timberlake's 'FutureSex/LoveSounds': 10 Things You Didn't Know|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=September 8, 2016|accessdate=September 8, 2016|first=Brittany|last=Spanos |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204043924/https://www.rollingstone.com/feature/justin-timberlakes-futuresex-lovesounds-10-things-you-didnt-know-121060/|archivedate=December 4, 2020|url-status=live}} in which he demonstrated his acting potential with an impression of Jessica Simpson and his work with Jimmy Fallon on The Barry Gibb Talk Show sketch. "Hosting SNL was something I'd always wanted to do. The show allowed me to play to my strengths—mixing music with comedy seemed like a way into that world", Timberlake recalled.{{cite web|url=http://www.wmagazine.com/people/celebrities/2011/10/justin-timberlake-amanda-seyfried-in-time-cover-story/|title=Yes They Can! Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried channel the zeitgeist as the picture-perfect political couple|work=W|date=October 2011|accessdate=October 30, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817092229/http://www.wmagazine.com/people/celebrities/2011/10/justin-timberlake-amanda-seyfried-in-time-cover-story/|archivedate=August 17, 2013|first=Lynn|last=Hirschberg}} After the show, he received several acting offers and spent the next two years launching his acting career. He shot four films, including Edison Force (2005) and Alpha Dog (2006), before working on his second studio album FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006).{{cite magazine|last=Scaggs |first=Austin |author-link=Austin Scaggs|title=Justin Timberlake Revs Up His Sex Machine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/11514699/cover_story_justin_timberlake_revs_up_his_sex_machine |magazine=Rolling Stone|date=September 6, 2006 |access-date=May 27, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121060915/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/11514699/cover_story_justin_timberlake_revs_up_his_sex_machine |archive-date=January 21, 2010 |url-status=dead}} In late November 2006, Timberlake announced his return to SNL for the December 16 episode as host and musical guest.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812031758/https://www.tvguide.com/news/ms-hollaback-mr-14356/|url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/ms-hollaback-mr-14356/|title=Ms. Hollaback, Mr. SexyBack Bound for SNL|date= November 27, 2006|accessdate=November 27, 2016|archivedate=August 12, 2020|url-status=live|work=TV Guide|first=Matt|last=Mitovich}}

{{multiple image|total_width=270|align=left|image1=Jorma Taccone by Gage Skidmore.jpg|image2=Asa Taccone at Make Music Pasadena.jpg|alt:=Photographs of Jorma and Asa Taccone|footer=Jorma Taccone (left, pictured in 2017) and his brother Asa (right, pictured in 2012) co-wrote and co-produced the song with music director Katreese Barnes}}

On December 12, 2006, when Timberlake was on track to host SNL for the second time, creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels asked Samberg to try writing a funny skit to showcase Timberlake's singing skills.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/21/arts/television/21sket.html|title=Censored SNL Sketch Jumps Bleepless Onto the Internet|first=Jaques|last=Steinberg|date=December 21, 2006|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=May 27, 2011|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109033029/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/21/arts/television/21sket.html|archivedate= November 9, 2020|url-status=live}} Although the writing team originally came up with a different idea, Michaels insisted they exploit more of Timberlake's musical side.{{cite news|url=http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1548607/20061220/timberlake_justin.jhtml|title=SNL Star Behind Timberlake's Raunchy Hit Hopes To 'Box' Up Full LP|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|date=December 20, 2006|publisher=VH1|accessdate=May 27, 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629065621/http://www.vh1.com/artists/news/1548607/20061220/timberlake_justin.jhtml|archivedate=June 29, 2011}}{{cite web|url=https://nymag.com/news/features/34738/|title=Three Easy Steps to Comedy Stardom|first=Adam|last=Sternbergh|date= July 13, 2007|accessdate=May 2, 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502031034/https://nymag.com/news/features/34738/|archivedate=May 2, 2021|url-status=live|work=New York}} Inspired by the music they grew up listening to, members of The Lonely Island wanted to write an early 1990s R&B song that was similar to the work of Jodeci, R. Kelly, the Isley Brothers, LeVert, and H-Town.{{cite web|url=https://magnetmagazine.com/2017/06/13/exclusive-cover-story-excerpt-future-islands-interviewed-by-andy-samberg/|title=Exclusive Cover Story Excerpt: Future Islands Interviewed by Andy Samberg|work=Magnet|date=June 13, 2017|accessdate=June 13, 2017|first=Andy|last=Samberg|author-link=Andy Samberg|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511000029/https://magnetmagazine.com/2017/06/13/exclusive-cover-story-excerpt-future-islands-interviewed-by-andy-samberg/|archivedate=May 11, 2021|url-status=live}} That night, they contacted associate music director Katreese Barnes to help them work on the song; she was later credited as a songwriter and producer.{{harvnb|Broadcast Music, Inc.|2008}}{{harvnb|Universal Republic|2009a}} Samberg felt the concept of imitating a 1990s-style band was "a perfect fit" for Timberlake, who was a member of a boy band.

The concept of the track was not decided until December 14, when Jorma came up with the "dick in a box" premise.{{harvnb|Foley|2007}} Once the trio agreed the concept was funny enough, they presented a rough draft of the song to Timberlake. A fan of 1990s-style music, Timberlake immediately accepted the song.{{harvnb|Galuppo|2015}} He was the only one who was confident about the sketch. The trio was having doubts about the crass joke and the bygone musical concept.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6243879/dick-in-a-box-andy-samberg-justin-timberlake-book-excerpt|title=The Secrets Behind 'Dick in a Box' & More: Andy Samberg, Justin Timberlake on the Viral Hits of SNL|magazine=Billboard|date=September 5, 2014|accessdate=September 5, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308133211/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6243879/dick-in-a-box-andy-samberg-justin-timberlake-book-excerpt|archivedate=8 March 2021|url-status=live|first1=James Andrew|last1=Miller|first2=Tom|last2=Shales}} Timberlake felt it was important to make the song "really singable" and suggested several changes to "Dick in a Box". He came up with the hook and the line "Mid-day at the grocery store", while adding pauses to make the song more catchy. Schaffer suggested adding the three steps of making the box into the lyrics. Samberg, who was feeling nervous when working on the idea with Timberlake, said the singer "took the reigns [sic] and schooled us on how to record and make it sound fantastic". The writers finished writing the lyrics within two hours.

Like other SNL sketches, "Dick in a Box" was recorded and produced in a very short time.{{cite web|url=https://adage.com/article/behind-the-work/black-iris-asa-taccone-talks-snl-skit-soundtracks/136754|title=Behind the Work: Black Iris' Asa Taccone Talks SNL Skit Soundtrack|work=Ad Age|date=May 19, 2009|accessdate=May 19, 2019|first=Jeff|last=Beer|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811134127/https://adage.com/article/behind-the-work/black-iris-asa-taccone-talks-snl-skit-soundtracks/136754|archivedate=August 11, 2020|url-status=live}} Samberg and Timberlake recorded their voice track for two hours around midnight on December 14-15, right after finishing the lyrics. They used special equipment, including a $500 microphone, in Samberg's office.{{cite web|url=http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/entertainment/articles/2012-04/10/the-lonely-island-interview-youtube-videos-comedy-lyrics|title=The Hits Squad|website=GQ|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906110823/http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/entertainment/articles/2012-04/10/the-lonely-island-interview-youtube-videos-comedy-lyrics|archivedate=September 6, 2014|first=Stuart|last=McGurk|date=April 10, 2012|accessdate=April 10, 2012|url-status=live}} Timberlake recalled the crew were laughing frantically during the production and that the "delirium of no sleep" contributed to the song's humor.{{harvnb|Gross|2010}} Although Samberg's voice cracked a few times, Timberlake's easygoing attitude made him more relaxed throughout the recording session. Asa Taccone, Jorma's brother, worked on the track in Los Angeles while the other writers were in New York City.{{cite web|url=https://people.com/music/electric-guests-asa-taccone-5-things-to-know/|title=Electric Guest's Asa Taccone: 5 Things to Know About the 'Oh Devil' Singer|work=People|first=Saryn|last=Chorney|date=September 19, 2017|accessdate=September 19, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228202010/https://people.com/music/electric-guests-asa-taccone-5-things-to-know/|archivedate=February 28, 2021|url-status=live}} Initially, Jorma gave his brother the specific outline of the track for him to work with, which Asa described as a "cheesy, 90s, Color Me Badd type track". Asa then sent the writers several instrumental tracks and went through each beat with them during phone calls. He was nervous working with Timberlake and felt the process was chaotic because of the limited work time. "It was semi-terrifying having [Timberlake] listen to my stuff. I was a kid back then. I'm sure the stuff I was playing was mostly terrible," Asa said. NBC was not originally aware of his contribution to the track, so Jorma paid him $60 for it.

{{multiple image|total_width=270|align=right|image1=Maya Rudolph (portrait cropped).jpg|image2=KristenWiigJuly09.jpg|alt=Photographs of Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig|footer=Maya Rudolph (left, pictured in 2012) and Kristen Wiig (right, pictured in 2009) played the love interests in the video.}}

After listening to the finished audio track, Barnes felt it would "be a big hit" if they had an equally funny video for it.

The music video for "Dick in a Box" was filmed in New York City in a day and a half. The crew spent December 15 filming the video. Timberlake left occasionally to prepare for the show; they finished the session at 3:00 AM the following morning.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/justin-timberlake-says-fcc-tried-stop-snl-dick-a-box-sketch-1289545/|title=Justin Timberlake Says FCC Tried to Stop Classic SNL 'Dick in a Box' Sketch|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=April 9, 2020|accessdate=April 9, 2020|first=Ryan|last=Parker|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20210716153547/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/justin-timberlake-says-fcc-tried-stop-snl-dick-a-box-sketch-1289545/|archivedate=July 16, 2021|url-status=live}} Schaffer directed the video with Jorma's assistance.{{harvnb|Bravo|2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thelonelyisland.com/videos/dick-in-a-box/|title=Videos: Dick in a Box|date=May 23, 2019 |publisher=The Lonely Island|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108120020/http://www.thelonelyisland.com/videos/dick-in-a-box/|archivedate=November 8, 2020|accessdate= November 8, 2020}} Indoor scenes were filmed in Studio 8H, SNL{{'}}s permanent set. Timberlake and Samberg sported wigs and fake short beards for the video.

Schaffer felt the filming process was both frightening and funny, saying, "We knew it was a really dumb idea and we weren't sure if we were even gonna get away with it on the air, but once we were actually making it, it was just super fun!" Members of The Lonely Island wanted to do the filming as quickly as they could, since Timberlake was busy with other hosting gigs and sketches. Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph played the duo's lovers.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115204656/https://tv.avclub.com/dick-in-a-box-found-the-humor-in-junky-christmas-pack-1798287075|url=https://www.avclub.com/dick-in-a-box-found-the-humor-in-junky-christmas-pack-1798287075|archive-date=November 15, 2019|title='Dick In A Box' found the humor in junky Christmas packages|work=The A.V. Club|date=December 8, 2015|access-date=December 8, 2015|first=Chris|url-status=live|last=Mincher}} Wiig felt the song would be a hit after hearing it and seeing the film set.{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/kristen-wiig-interview-walk-hard-the-dewey-cox-story/|title=Kristen Wiig Interview – Walk Hard – The Dewey Cox Story|date=December 17, 2007|accessdate=December 17, 2007|first=Steve|last=Weintraub|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921072558/https://collider.com/kristen-wiig-interview-walk-hard-the-dewey-cox-story/|archivedate=September 21, 2020|url-status=live|work=Collider}} It was not until 4:00 PM on December 16, less than eight hours before it was to go live, that the video was ready to be shown to NBC executive Rick Ludwin.

The video begins with Samberg and Rudolph sitting in front of a fireplace. Samberg says he has a Christmas gift for her and instructs her to "just sit down and listen".{{cite web|url=http://snltranscripts.jt.org/06/06ishort.phtml|title=Justin Timberlake: 12/16/06: An SNL Digital Short: Dick in a Box|publisher=SNL Transcripts|first=Don Roy|last=King|author-link=Don Roy King|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070216154039/http://snltranscripts.jt.org/06/06ishort.phtml|archivedate=February 16, 2007|accessdate=February 16, 2017|year=2006}} The balladeers are wearing silk suits, jewel-toned rayon shirts,{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/23/arts/television/23just.html|title=Timberlake Grows Up, With Help From 'SNL'|work=The New York Times|first=Virginia|last=Heffernan|author-link=Virginia Heffernan|date=December 23, 2006|accessdate=December 23, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716155157/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/23/arts/television/23just.html|archivedate=July 16, 2021|url-status=live}} herringbone chains,{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909184356/https://news.yahoo.com/justin-timberlake-snl-song-andy-samberg-almost-didnt-happen-215645571.html|url=https://news.yahoo.com/justin-timberlake-snl-song-andy-samberg-almost-didnt-happen-215645571.html|archivedate=September 9, 2020|first=Kerry|last=Justich|date=April 9, 2020|accessdate=April 9, 2020|work=Yahoo! News|title=Justin Timberlake says racy SNL song with Andy Samberg almost didn't happen}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/19/saturday-night-live-justin-timberlake-review|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718161030/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/19/saturday-night-live-justin-timberlake-review|archivedate=July 18, 2021|publisher=IGN|title=Saturday Night Live: Justin Timberlake Review|date=December 19, 2006|accessdate=December 19, 2006|first=Larry|last=Carroll}} trimmed goatees,{{cite web|url=http://www.tvsquad.com/2006/12/17/saturday-night-live-justin-timberlake/|title=Saturday Night Live: Justin Timberlake – Videos|date=December 17, 2006|first=Annie|last=Wu|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070112193437/http://www.tvsquad.com/2006/12/17/saturday-night-live-justin-timberlake/|archivedate=January 12, 2007|work=TV Squad|accessdate=January 12, 2007}}{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2006/12/18/confessioni_hav/|title=Justin Timberlake gets boxed in on SNL|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=December 18, 2006|accessdate=December 18, 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124131109/https://ew.com/article/2006/12/18/confessioni_hav/|archivedate=November 24, 2020|url-status=live|first=Gilbert|last=Cruz}} and sunglasses.{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/article/best-snl-holiday-sketches-christmas-hanukkah.html|title=The 15 Quintessential SNL Holiday Sketches|first=Rebecca|last=Caplan|date=December 7, 2020|accessdate=December 7, 2020|work=Vulture|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116174353/https://www.vulture.com/article/best-snl-holiday-sketches-christmas-hanukkah.html|archivedate=January 16, 2021|url-status=live}} The men each give their lovers a box with their penis inside as a present, and ask them to open it and look inside.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521054424/https://www.metrolyrics.com/dick-in-a-box-lyrics-the-lonely-island.html|archivedate=May 21, 2020|url=https://www.metrolyrics.com/dick-in-a-box-lyrics-the-lonely-island.html|title=The Lonely Island – Dick In A Box Lyrics|publisher=MetroLyrics|url-status=dead|accessdate=July 16, 2021}} The singers stroke their goatees and pose with each displaying a gift-wrapped box attached to his groin. Their girlfriends seem aroused and excited by their presents,{{cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/comedy/saturday-night-live/ranking-every-snl-digital-short/|title=Ranking Every Saturday Night Live Digital Short|first=Ross|last=Bonaime|date=June 15, 2017|accessdate=June 15, 2017|work=Paste|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718131903/https://www.pastemagazine.com/comedy/saturday-night-live/ranking-every-snl-digital-short/|archivedate=July 18, 2021|url-status=live}} while the men aggressively rub roses and feathers in the women's faces. Near the chorus, the men sing about how their presents are better than other gifts, such as diamond rings, fancy cars, or luxury houses. The duo suggest their present is suitable for all holidays, including Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.{{cite web|title=The top 10 Lonely Island SNL digital shorts|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/redeye-the-top-10-lonely-island-snl-digital-shorts-20160602-htmlstory.html|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=June 2, 2016|accessdate=June 2, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718100412/https://www.baltimoresun.com/redeye-the-top-10-lonely-island-snl-digital-shorts-20160602-htmlstory.html|archivedate=July 18, 2021|first=Lauren|last=Chval|url-status=live}} At one point, they give step-by-step instructions on how to create the gift.

{{Poem quote|text=

It's easy to do, just follow these steps:

1. Cut a hole in a box.

2. Put your junk in that box.

3. Make her open the box.

And that's the way you do it.

}}

The video cuts between scenes of Samberg and Timberlake dancing and singing in various urban landscapes—on the West Side of Manhattan in Hudson River Park, on a ferry in front of the East River, and on a basketball court,{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/23/arts/television/23just.html|title=Timberlake Grows Up, With Help From SNL|work=The New York Times|first=Virginia|last=Heffernan|date=December 23, 2006|accessdate=December 23, 2006|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410230836/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/23/arts/television/23just.html|archivedate=April 10, 2021|url-status=live}} where Timberlake is seen hanging from a basketball hoop with a gift box on his crotch. At the end of the video, the men sing about giving the present on multiple occasions—at their parents' houses, the grocery store, and backstage at the Country Music Association Awards—while being arrested by the New York City Police Department (NYPD), presumably for indecent exposure.

"Dick in a Box" is an R&B song{{cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/andy-sambergs-rocky-film-start-98947|first=Devin|last=Gordon|date= December 8, 2007|accessdate=December 8, 2007|title=Andy Samberg's Rocky Film Start|work=Newsweek|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716115554/https://www.newsweek.com/andy-sambergs-rocky-film-start-98947|archivedate=July 16, 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/05/lonely-island-changed-the-internet-comedy.html|title=How the Lonely Island Changed the Internet, Comedy, and Especially Internet Comedy|first=Jesse David|last=Fox|date=February 8, 2019|accessdate=February 8, 2019|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515161810/https://www.vulture.com/2016/05/lonely-island-changed-the-internet-comedy.html|archivedate=May 15, 2021|url-status=live|work=Vulture}} with a runtime of 2:41. According to Universal Music Publishing Group's digital sheet music for the song, "Dick in a Box" is composed in the key of C minor and set in common time signature, with a moderately slow groove of 80 beats per minute. The vocals span two octaves, from C♯ (musical note) up to C♯ (musical note).{{cite web|url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0073483|title=Justin Timberlake – Xxxx In a Box Sheet Music (Digital Download)|date=2008|website=Musicnotes.com|publisher=EMI Music Publishing|access-date=October 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001233728/https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0073483|archive-date=October 1, 2020|url-status=live}} Music critics compared the track to the work of Color Me Badd, noting the song's spoken-word breakdown and the way the last syllables of the refrain go increasingly up.{{cite web|url=https://www.newsreview.com/chico/content/days-of-lore/271496/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128145954/https://www.newsreview.com/chico/content/days-of-lore/271496/|archivedate=January 28, 2021|title=Days of Lore|date=January 25, 2007|accessdate=December 19, 2016|url-status=live|first=Mark|last=Lore|work=News & Review}} Idolator{{ '}}s Noah wrote the track is a "slightly more up-front–and generously Yuletide-themed" version of Color Me Badd's "I Wanna Sex You Up" (1991).{{cite web|url=https://www.idolator.com/222479/justin-timberlakes-gift-guide-color-me-badd-goatee-not-included|title=Justin Timberlake's Gift Guide: Color Me Badd Goatee Not Included|author=Noah|date=December 18, 2006|accessdate=December 18, 2006|work=Idolator|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20210718085823/https://www.idolator.com/222479/justin-timberlakes-gift-guide-color-me-badd-goatee-not-included?edg-c=1|archivedate=July 18, 2021|url-status=live}} Critics also found the R&B track was influenced by American groups New Kids on the Block, Hall & Oates, and Backstreet Boys.{{cite web|url=https://www.nexttv.com/blog/snl-bleep-box-120833|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718150836/https://www.nexttv.com/blog/snl-bleep-box-120833|archivedate=18 July 2021|title=SNL: A Bleep In a Box|date=December 19, 2006|accessdate=December 19, 2016|url-status=live|first=Caroline|last=Palmer|work=Broadcasting & Cable}}{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/4181/new_andy_samberg_and_justin_timberlake_video_dick_/news/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722142511/https://www.stereogum.com/4181/new_andy_samberg_and_justin_timberlake_video_dick_/news/|archivedate=July 22, 2021|title=New Andy Samberg And Justin Timberlake Video – 'Dick In A Box'|date=December 18, 2006|accessdate=December 18, 2016|work=Stereogum}}

David Jeffries of AllMusic described "Dick in a Box" as an imitation of teen pop,{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719092911/https://www.allmusic.com/album/incredibad-mw0000808251|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/incredibad-mw0000808251|archivedate=July 19, 2021|accessdate=July 19, 2021|title=Incredibad – The Lonely Island|publisher=AllMusic|first=David|last=Jeffries}} while Stephen Saito of Premiere called the slow jam "an ode to the phallic present for all occasions".{{cite news|url=http://moveablefest.com/moveable_fest/2012/07/lonely-island-hot-rod.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608134533/http://moveablefest.com/moveable_fest/2012/07/lonely-island-hot-rod.html|archivedate=8 June 2016|title=Flashback – Interview: Only The Lonely: The Rise Of Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer And Jorma Taccone|work=Premiere|first=Stephen|last=Saito|date=July 24, 2012|orig-date=July 27, 2007|accessdate=June 8, 2016|via=The Moveable Fest}} Chris Mincher of The A.V. Club and Stuart McGurk of GQ viewed it as a midtempo synth rock track that soundtracks a rapidly unfolding horror. "Dick in a Box" has been described as a Christmas song by critics,{{cite web|url=https://www.vh1.com/news/be9ld1/justin-timberlake-best-saturday-night-live-moments|title=Justin Timberlake's 10 Greatest Saturday Night Live Moments|publisher=VH1|date=January 31, 2015|accessdate=January 31, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213191400/http://www.vh1.com/news/89316/justin-timberlake-best-saturday-night-live-moments/|archivedate=December 13, 2015|url-status=live|first=Tara|last=Aquino}}{{cite web|url=https://the-toast.net/2015/12/22/dick-in-a-box-is-the-most-romantic-christmas-song/|title='Dick In A Box' Is The Most Romantic Christmas Song|work=The Toast|first=Nicole|last=Cliffe|date=December 22, 2015|accessdate=December 22, 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122031714/https://the-toast.net/2015/12/22/dick-in-a-box-is-the-most-romantic-christmas-song/|archivedate=January 22, 2016|url-status=live}} including Mincher who highlighted its release in the special Christmas episode of SNL. Ross Bonaime of Paste referred to it is a hybrid between "a Christmas song, a '90s R&B parody and a joke about bad gift giving". Believed the sketch qualified as a Christmas film, Matthew Dessem of Slate pointed out the Christmas setting and the theme surrounding Christmas presents, as well as the non-Christmas holidays mentioned in the song all take place around Christmas.{{cite web|url=https://slate.com/culture/2018/12/the-greatest-christmas-movie-is-not-die-hard-but-d-in-a-box.html|title='D*** in a Box' Is a Christmas Movie|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109045057/https://slate.com/culture/2018/12/the-greatest-christmas-movie-is-not-die-hard-but-d-in-a-box.html|archivedate=January 9, 2020|url-status=live|first=Matthew|last=Dessem|work=Slate|accessdate=January 29, 2020|date=December 23, 2018}}

File:Mickey Rourke 10 December 2010 (cropped).jpeg (pictured in 2010) in Barry Levinson's Diner (1982)]]

The music the songwriters grew up listening to inspired "Dick in a Box". They wanted to make a parody of the members of a 1990s R&B group, who were still stuck in that era. It follows the tone of other songs by The Lonely Island, which focus on mundane characters who express themselves aggressively about their daily lives. The fictional duo was named 2:30 AM, which Timberlake explained is the time (until 5:00 AM) when "really strong lovemaking happens". Despite referring to 1990s R&B style music, Timberlake said the sketch was not "parodying anyone in particular".

Timberlake explained the premise, where the characters genuinely give their genitalia as Christmas presents to their lovers, aimed for comedic effect, while making the characters even more ridiculous. He thought initially the idea was creepy but still pursued it. The premise was based on dick jokes and some men's habit of putting their penises in unusual things.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2009/02/qa-andy-samberg|title=Q&A: Andy Samberg's Incredibad New Album|magazine=Vanity Fair|first=Eric|last=Spitznagel|date=February 11, 2009|accessdate=February 11, 2019|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123191748/https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2009/02/qa-andy-samberg|archivedate=November 23, 2020|url-status=live}} "It's nothing new. Guys have been putting their dicks in boxes since caveman days," Schaffer said.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/feb/14/the-lonely-island-incredibad|title=Rise of the vidiots|work=The Guardian|first=Johnny|last=Dee|date=February 13, 2009|accessdate=February 11, 2019|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107141316/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/feb/14/the-lonely-island-incredibad|archivedate=November 7, 2020|url-status=live}} Despite not trying it himself, Samberg had heard stories from other people doing similar things with bad results.{{harvnb|Sellers|2009|page=32}} Jorma said a scene in the 1982 Barry Levinson film Diner, in which Mickey Rourke's character tricks his date into groping him by placing his penis inside a box of popcorn at a movie theater also inspired the premise. An identical act can be found in a scene of La Boum (1980), directed by Claude Pinoteau.{{cite web|url=https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/movie-popcorn-trick-penis-hole-history|title=A Very Salty (And Buttery) Investigation Into Whether The 'Popcorn Trick' Is Actually Real|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402143751/https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/movie-popcorn-trick-penis-hole-history|archivedate=April 2, 2021|accessdate=April 2, 2021|first=Tracy|last=Moore|date=1 August 2019|work=MEL Magazine}}{{cite web|url=https://cineday.orange.fr/actu-cine/3-scenes-culte-de-pop-corn-au-cinema-CNT000001wv499.html|title=3 scènes culte de pop-corn au cinéma|date=January 19, 2021|accessdate=January 19, 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308124538/https://cineday.orange.fr/actu-cine/3-scenes-culte-de-pop-corn-au-cinema-CNT000001wv499.html|archivedate=March 8, 2021|first1=Elodie|last1=Falco|first2=Jellyfish|last2=France|trans-title=3 cult popcorn scenes at the cinema|work=Orange S.A.|language=fr}} Mincher felt the act was "so absurd (and unexpectedly raunchy) that few watching it live could see it coming".

Critics have offered various interpretations of "Dick in a Box". Penny Spirou in Music in Comedy Television: Notes on Laughs (2017) and Virginia Heffernan of The New York Times viewed the sketch as a satire of "the bad faith of the pandering R&B foreplay songs", which was made to trick a women's desire for comfort, until she "opens that nicely wrapped present".{{harvnb|Spirou|2017|loc=chapter 9}} Heffernan also linked the content to Timberlake's public image in the 2000s, saying, "He's all sweet, but he gets what he wants. And no one, not even Janet Jackson, stands in his way... [The audiences] have decided, for now, that he's cooler than they thought." Terry Gross of Fresh Air opined the sketch is a parody of male narcissism, in which the characters suggest "the greatest gift [a man] could give to a lady is a very special lovemaking". She noted the singers emphasize "how great he is, not how much he loves his girlfriend, but really how much he loves himself". Mincher argued that besides the joke about men's obsession with their own genitalia, the sketch pokes fun at several men's gift-giving mistakes. A man believes he is the greatest present his girlfriend could receive, implying a woman should provide sexual favors for her man. He dismisses more expensive presents as superficial. Mincher suggests the sketch is a product of male fantasy detached from the reality of relationships.

The video for "Dick in a Box" was sent to NBC executive Rick Ludwin after the raw editing had been finished at 4:00 PM on December 16. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took issue with the actors saying "dick" on-air and wanted to stop the sketch's screening. SNL producers came to an agreement with the FCC that the song could be aired with the word bleeped out. However, since the FCC has no jurisdiction over the content on the internet, the producers asked Ludwin to make the uncensored version available online. Ludwin, who was initially hesitant about the idea, watched the footage with a representative from the NBC legal department. He found the sketch funny and realized that those searching on the internet specifically for the video would not be upset by its content. He sought final approval for the uncensored sketch from Kevin Reilly, the president of NBC Entertainment, and Jeff Zucker, the chief executive of NBCUniversal Television Group—both of whom approved the idea. Editing continued on the video for the rest of the day, in time for its television debut.

File:Lorne Michaels by David Shankbone.jpg (pictured in 2008), who originally asked Samberg to write the sketch, expressed his approval towards its uncensored online release]]

"Dick in a Box" premiered as a Digital Short on the Christmas episode of the 32nd season of SNL, which aired on December 16, 2006.{{cite news|url=http://www.comcast.net/entertainment/index.jsp?fn=2006/12/22/231122.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024162850/http://comcast.net/entertainment/index.jsp?fn=2006%2F12%2F22%2F231122.html|archivedate=October 24, 2007|title=PTC Puts NBC on Naughty List|date=December 22, 2006|publisher=Comcast|accessdate=October 24, 2017|url-status=dead}} NBC bleeped the word "dick" 16 times as agreed with the FCC. After the broadcast concluded at 1:00 AM on December 17, both the censored and uncensored versions of the sketch were made available on NBC's website and YouTube channel,{{harvnb|NBC|2006a}} under the heading "Special Treat in a Box" or "Special Christmas Box".{{cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/677590/dick-box|title=Dick in a Box|date=December 22, 2006|accessdate=December 22, 2016|work=Fast Company|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128000242/https://www.fastcompany.com/677590/dick-box|archivedate=November 28, 2020|url-status=live}} A cautionary warning was shown at the beginning of the unbleeped version, while viewers had to affirm they were over 18 to access the video.{{harvnb|NBC|2007b}} Besides the official video uploaded by NBC, bootleg copies of the clip were being removed from YouTube at the network's request.

The release made SNL the first scripted comedy show on a broadcast network to use the internet to avoid FCC control over its explicit content. On December 21, the Parents Television Council (PTC) called on NBC and asked the network to explain the decision to post both versions of the song online.{{cite web|url=http://www.tvsquad.com/2006/12/24/parents-television-council-unhappy-about-uncensored-d-k-in-a-bo/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070214100359/http://www.tvsquad.com/2006/12/24/parents-television-council-unhappy-about-uncensored-d-k-in-a-bo/|archivedate=February 14, 2007|title=Parents Television Council unhappy about uncensored D**k in a Box skit|date=December 24, 2006|accessdate=December 24, 2006|first=Richard|last=Keller|work=TV Squad}} L. Brent Bozell, the president of the PTC, said that the video is "a new low for NBC" and the online release "is blatantly irresponsible and unacceptable".{{cite press release|title=PTC Criticizes NBC for Posting Uncensored Saturday Night Live Sketch on the Internet|publisher=Parents Television Council|date=December 21, 2006|url=http://www.parentstv.org/PTC/publications/release/2006/1221.asp|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070217232741/http://www.parentstv.org/PTC/publications/release/2006/1221.asp|archivedate=February 17, 2007|accessdate=February 17, 2007|location=Los Angeles}} In an interview published by The New York Times the same day, Michaels said that posting the equivalent of a "director's cut" of his late-night show on the internet "will be the exception" in the future. He believed other shows and networks would be likely to follow NBC's lead in making inappropriate-for-TV material available online, saying. "Now that the door has been opened, some things will go through it."

Days after "Dick in a Box" was released, Samberg expressed his interest in creating an album full of comedy hip hop and R&B songs.{{cite web|url=http://www.tvsquad.com/2006/12/21/lonely-island-boys-hits-in-lp-form/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100905114854/http://www.tvsquad.com/2006/12/21/lonely-island-boys-hits-in-lp-form/|archivedate=September 5, 2010|title=Lonely Island boys' hits in LP form|first=Annie|last=Wu|date=December 21, 2006|accessdate=December 21, 2016|work=TV Squad}} "It's something we've always wanted to do and we've been working on putting it together," Samberg said. Universal Republic released the album, titled Incredibad, on February 10, 2009.{{harvnb|Universal Republic|2009c}} The album included 14 new tracks the trio recorded while living together in Encino, Los Angeles, during the summer of 2009.{{cite magazine|url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2008/12/09/lonely-island-c/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513190426/http://insidetv.ew.com/2008/12/09/lonely-island-c/|archivedate=May 13, 2013|title=Inside TV: 'J In My Pants' crew Lonely Island taps Norah Jones, T-Pain for CD|date=December 9, 2008|accessdate=December 9, 2018|first=Simon|last=Vozick-Levinson|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} "Dick in a Box" was one of five SNL Digital Shorts on the album, with "Lazy Sunday", "Natalie's Rap", "Ras Trent", and "Space Olympics".{{cite web|url=https://www.avclub.com/the-lonely-island-incredibad-1798205810|title=The Lonely Island: Incredibad|work=The A.V. Club|first=Brett|last=Singer|date=February 24, 2009|access-date=February 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103213946/https://music.avclub.com/the-lonely-island-incredibad-1798205810|archive-date=November 3, 2019|url-status=live}} This was made possible because of the partnership between NBC and Broadway Video that gave Universal Republic the rights to release these videos. It was the first time these sketches had been released without a laugh track. "We spend so much time getting stuff to sound good... but nobody has ever really heard a clean version of those songs," Jorma said. Before the album's release, the lead single "Jizz in My Pants" was broadcast and released digitally in December 2008,{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/34276-andy-sambergs-the-lonely-island-tell-all/|title=Andy Samberg's the Lonely Island Tell All!|first=Dave|last=Maher|date=December 15, 2008|accessdate=December 15, 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011130746/http://pitchfork.com/news/34276-andy-sambergs-the-lonely-island-tell-all/|archivedate=October 11, 2013|work=Pitchfork}} followed by the first-ever digital release of "Dick in a Box" on iTunes and Amazon on January 27, 2009.{{harvnb|Cohen|2009|page=35}}{{cite web|url=http://thelonelyisland.blogspot.com/2009/01/download-dick-in-box.html|title=Download 'Dick In A Box'!|publisher=The Lonely Island|date=January 28, 2009|accessdate=January 28, 2019|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20210722065710/http://thelonelyisland.blogspot.com/2009/01/download-dick-in-box.html|archivedate=July 22, 2021}}{{efn|The release date for "Dick in a Box" on iTunes Store was incorrectly given as January 1, 2009.{{harvnb|Universal Republic|2009b}}}} "Dick in a Box" later appeared on the Saturday Night Live – The Best of '06–'07 extra DVD, released in March 2008.{{cite web|url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/29985/saturday-night-live-the-best-of-06-07-starbucks-exclusive/|title=Saturday Night Live – The Best of 06/07 (Starbucks Exclusive)|date=August 25, 2007|accessdate=August 28, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126230216/https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/29985/saturday-night-live-the-best-of-06-07-starbucks-exclusive/|archivedate=January 26, 2013|url-status=live|first=Francis|last=Rizzo|work=DVD Talk}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/03/05/tv-on-dvd-26|title=TV on DVD|date=March 5, 2008|accessdate=March 5, 2008|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720122955/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/03/05/tv-on-dvd-26|archivedate=July 20, 2021|url-status=live|first=Michelle|last=Zoromski|publisher=IGN}}

The SNL episode received a 5.3/13 Nielsen rating/share in the 18–49 demographic, and attracted seven million American viewers during its initial broadcast,{{harvnb|Burns|2009|page=93}} one of the show's highest ratings for a Christmas episode.{{efn|"Rating" represents the percentage of American households with a television watching an episode during any given minute of its broadcast while "share" represents the percentage of American households with a television in use watching an episode during any given minute of its broadcast.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/tv/permanent/faqnielsen.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120172905/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/tv/permanent/faqnielsen.htm|archivedate=20 November 2021|first=Matthew|last=Greenberg|date=9 December 1997|accessdate=20 November 2021|url-status=live|newspaper=The Washington Post|title=FAQ: The Nielsen Ratings}}}}{{cite news|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=December 22, 2013|url=https://deadline.com/2013/12/saturday-night-live-delivers-big-ratings-with-jimmy-fallon-justin-timberlake-655813/|title=Saturday Night Live Delivers Big Ratings With Jimmy Fallon & Justin Timberlake|access-date=October 12, 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214234624/https://deadline.com/2013/12/saturday-night-live-delivers-big-ratings-with-jimmy-fallon-justin-timberlake-655813/|archive-date=February 14, 2021|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva}}{{cite news|work=The Futon Critic|date=December 22, 2013|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/ratings/2013/12/22/saturdays-broadcast-ratings-nbc-tops-repeats-in-demos-cbs-in-viewers-623020/broadcast_20131221/|title=Saturday's Broadcast Ratings: NBC Tops Repeats in Demos, CBS in Viewers|access-date=October 12, 2018|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20210720135718/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/ratings/2013/12/22/saturdays-broadcast-ratings-nbc-tops-repeats-in-demos-cbs-in-viewers-623020/broadcast_20131221/|archive-date=July 20, 2021}} According to the New York Daily News, less than a week after its online release, the uncensored version of the sketch had been viewed over 320,000 times on NBC's website and 3.5 million times on YouTube.{{cite web|url=http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-News-Blog/Todays-News/Short-Cuts-D/700014983|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080325180210/http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-News-Blog/Todays-News/Short-Cuts-D/700014983|archivedate=March 25, 2008|title=Today's News: Our Take – Short Cuts: "D—k in a Box," ScarJo and More!|work=TV Guide|first=Matt Webb|last=Mitovich|date=December 21, 2006|accessdate=December 21, 2016}} Thanks to a partnership between NBC and YouTube, the video quickly became one of the 20 most-viewed on the site and one of the quickest viral hits of 2006. It generated 7.5 million views in one week at the end of December.{{harvnb|Lipschultz|2008|pages=176–178}} According to online video analytics site Vidmeter, there were at least 18 identical copies of "Dick in a Box" posted to various YouTube and Google Video accounts, bringing the total views to over 20 million as of February 2007.{{cite web|url=http://gigaom.com/video/where-to-find-good-video-vidmeter/|title=NewTeeVee – Where to Find Good Video|publisher=Gigaom|accessdate=January 22, 2021|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711094800/http://gigaom.com/video/where-to-find-good-video-vidmeter/|archivedate=July 11, 2011|date=January 2, 2007|first=Liz|last=Gannes}}{{cite web|url=http://vidmeter.com/?v=wzl7vst4dk&r=1|title=Vidmeter All Time Top 100 – SNL: Dick in a Box|publisher=Vidmeter|accessdate=July 11, 2007|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070218071135/http://www.vidmeter.com/?v=wzl7vst4dk&r=1|archivedate=February 18, 2007}}

The official uncensored video garnered more than 15,000 comments and 28 million views{{harvnb|NBC|2007a}} (34.9 million views when combined with other versions){{cite web|url=http://top100.vidmeter.com/?v=wzl7vst4dk&r=1|title=Vidmeter All Time Top 100 – SNL: Dick in a Box|publisher=Vidmeter|accessdate=15 October 2007|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070218071135/http://www.vidmeter.com/?v=wzl7vst4dk&r=1|archivedate=18 February 2007}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/25823368/review/25895679/incredibad|title=The Lonely Island: Incredibad|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=February 5, 2009|accessdate=February 5, 2009|first=Melissa|last=Maerz|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212165101/https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/25823368/review/25895679/incredibad|archivedate=12 February 2009|url-status=dead|quote=2007's 'Dick in a Box' earned [Samberg] 35 million YouTube views}} before NBC took down its YouTube channel in preparation for the launch of Hulu on October 21.{{cite news|url=http://valleywag.gawker.com/tech/online-video/nbc-pulls-youtube-channel-313276.php|title=NBC Pulls YouTube Channel|date=October 21, 2007|work=ValleyWag|accessdate=October 21, 2007|url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505003731/http://valleywag.gawker.com/tech/online-video/nbc-pulls-youtube-channel-313276.php |archivedate=May 5, 2009|first=Owen|last=Thomas}}{{cite web|url=https://gigaom.com/2007/10/22/nbc-confirms-pulling-youtube-content-for-hulu/|title=NBC Confirms Pulling YouTube Content for Hulu|publisher=Gigaom|first=Liz|last=Gannes|work=Gigaom |date=October 22, 2007|accessdate=October 22, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601003835/https://gigaom.com/2007/10/22/nbc-confirms-pulling-youtube-content-for-hulu/|archivedate=June 1, 2021|url-status=live}} On December 23, 2008, "Dick in a Box" appeared at number nine on the Guardian Viral Video Chart: Christmas Special showing the year's top viral videos, compiled by The Guardian and viralvideochart.com.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/pda/2008/dec/24/digitalmedia|title=Guardian Viral Video Chart: Christmas special|work=The Guardian|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718170025/https://www.theguardian.com/media/pda/2008/dec/24/digitalmedia|archivedate=July 18, 2021|url-status=live|date=December 23, 2008|accessdate=December 23, 2008}} An official video of the sketch was uploaded again on YouTube in December 2018, which had garnered 5.5 million views as of April 2020.{{harvnb|Saturday Night Live|2018}} Following its release as a digital single in January 2009, "Dick in a Box" debuted at number 82 on the Canadian Hot 100 and number 48 on the Billboard Canadian Digital Song Sales chart. Both were The Lonely Island's first entries on the charts. In late June, the single peaked at number 61 on the Australian Singles Chart, the third track from Incredibad to appear on the chart after the top 10 entries "Jizz in My Pants" and "I'm on a Boat". In January 2011, "Dick in a Box" peaked at number eight on the Billboard Comedy Digital Track Sales.

Following the rebroadcast of "Dick in a Box" on SNL, the FCC received several complaints from viewers about the sketch.{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2015/04/best-fcc-complaints-about-dick-in-a-box.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507155941/http://www.vulture.com/2015/04/best-fcc-complaints-about-dick-in-a-box.html|archivedate=May 7, 2018|url-status=live|title=3 Years of SNL FCC Complaints Reveal Some People Really Didn't Like 'Dick in a Box'|first=Nate|last=Jones|date=April 10, 2015|accessdate=April 10, 2015|work=Vulture}} A report in The Atlantic showed that "Dick in a Box" and "Djesus Uncrossed," a 2013 parody of Django Unchained starring Christoph Waltz, were the most frequent targets of complaint letters sent to the FCC about SNL by viewers from 2012 to 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/04/swear-words-blasphemy-and-justin-timberlake/390141/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420231906/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/04/swear-words-blasphemy-and-justin-timberlake/390141/|archivedate=20 April 2018|url-status=live|title=Swear Words, Blasphemy, and Justin Timberlake|first=Adrienne|last=Lafrance|date=April 10, 2015|accessdate=April 10, 2015|work=The Atlantic}} Most of the letters were suspicious of Timberlake's appearance after his part in the Janet Jackson controversy at the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show.

"Dick in a Box" received generally positive reviews from television and music critics. Annie Wu of TV Squad was "laughing [her] head off" while watching the sketch and was impressed with Timberlake's performance. Palmer wrote that Timberlake and Samberg had "given new meaning to 'giving of yourself' and 'package' with the perfect gift for that special someone". Both Wu and Palmer were confused about the sketch's title and content during the broadcast. Palmer called the censored version pointless. Gilbert Cruz of Entertainment Weekly thought the sketch was a nice way "to cap off what has been a fantastic year for [Timberlake]" and suggested SNL should focus more on the Digital Shorts. Tom Hall of IndieWire praised the Digital Short as the highlight of the show,{{cite web|url=http://blogs.indiewire.com/twhalliii/archives/011992.html|title=One: Cut A Hole In The Box|first=Tom|last=Hall|publisher=IndieWire|date=December 17, 2006|accessdate=December 17, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205211247/http://blogs.indiewire.com/twhalliii/archives/011992.html|archivedate=February 5, 2007}} while Mark Lore of News & Review felt the track was Timberlake's best work since "Rock Your Body" (2003). Adam Sternbergh of New York magazine described it as "by far the most hilarious Timberlake–starring, Kwanzaa-referencing, Color Me Badd–parodying, 'put your junk in that box'–instructing short video you will ever see".

{{multiple image|total_width=280|align=right|image1=JustinTimberlakeJune07 crop.jpg|image2=Andy-Samberg-David-Shankbone-2010-NYC-791x1024.jpg|al=|Photographs of Timberlake and Samberf|footer=Timberlake (left, pictured in 2007) and Samberg's (right, pictured in 2010) performances received critical acclaim. They reprised their roles in two more SNL Digital Shorts in 2009 and 2011.}}

Larry Carroll of IGN called the song "the closest to 'Lazy Sunday' that we've seen yet". He praised the "dead-on spoof of that musical time period" and Wiig's brief cameo, and concluded, "Mr. Timberlake brought a very special package to us all this year, and he didn't even have it attached to his crotch." Heffernan said that Timberlake "[sealed] his triumph when he managed to score a cherished asset: a holiday classic". She commended the joke as both mindless fun and imaginative. Several critics chose the sketch as the funniest moment of the episode, including Larry Carroll, Matt Dentler of IndieWire,{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2006/12/the-lonely-island-best-of-snl-in-2006-222405/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722115659/https://www.indiewire.com/2006/12/the-lonely-island-best-of-snl-in-2006-222405/|archivedate=July 22, 2021|title=The Lonely Island: Best of SNL in 2006|publisher=IndieWire|date=December 18, 2006|accessdate=December 18, 2016|first=Matt|last=Dentler}} and a writer from Rap-Up.{{cite web|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2006/12/17/justin-timberlake-on-saturday-night-live/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028003038/https://www.rap-up.com/2006/12/17/justin-timberlake-on-saturday-night-live/|archivedate=October 28, 2020|title=Justin Timberlake on Saturday Night Live|work=Rap-Up|date=December 17, 2006|accessdate=December 17, 2006|url-status=live}} Joel Keller of TV Squad picked the sketch as one of the best television moments in 2006,{{cite web|url=http://www.tvsquad.com/2007/01/04/best-and-worst-of-2006-joels-list/|title=Best and Worst of 2006: Joel's list|work=TV Squad|first=Joel|last=Keller|date=January 4, 2007|accessdate=January 4, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212034939/http://www.tvsquad.com/2007/01/04/best-and-worst-of-2006-joels-list/|archivedate=February 12, 2007}} while Brian Zoromski of IGN listed the sketch as his favorite Digital Short and the most memorable moment of the year on SNL.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/23/idiot-box-special-year-end-edition|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722113754/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/23/idiot-box-special-year-end-edition|archivedate=July 22, 2021|url-status=live|title=Idiot Box: Special Year-End Edition|publisher=IGN|first=Brian|last=Zoromski|date=December 23, 2006|accessdate=December 23, 2016}}

Critics have recognized retrospectively that "Dick in a Box" is one of the best Christmas-themed SNL sketches. Bonaime wrote the sketch is cheerfully egotistical and "might be the pinnacle of the Digital Short's success". Tara Aquino of VH1 labeled the track as "The Christmas Song" for millennials that should "make its way to every station come December 1st". Eric Spitznagel of Vanity Fair wrote the track is as recognizable as Steve Martin's "King Tut" (1978). Jody Rosen of Vulture commended the track as a "sublime cultural artifact that deserves to be in the next time capsule that NASA shoots off toward Jupiter".{{cite web|first=Jody|last=Rosen|url=https://www.vulture.com/2013/06/rosen-lonely-island-lead-pop-parody-boom.html|title=The Lonely Island Lead the Pop-Parody Boom|work=Vulture|date=June 14, 2013|accessdate=June 14, 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928091510/https://www.vulture.com/2013/06/rosen-lonely-island-lead-pop-parody-boom.html|archivedate=September 28, 2020|url-status=live}} Hillary Busis of Entertainment Weekly ranked the track as Timberlake's best moment on SNL, calling it hilarious and "largely responsible for Timberlake's stellar hosting reputation".{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2013/03/08/justin-timberlake-snl-best-moments/|title=Saturday Night Live: Justin Timberlake's best moments|first=Hillary|last=Busis|date=August 4, 2017|accessdate=August 4, 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115174550/http://ew.com/article/2013/03/08/justin-timberlake-snl-best-moments/|archivedate=January 15, 2018|url-status=live|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} Billboard hailed it as one of the show's best musical moments, along with "Lazy Sunday". Rolling Stone listed the skit at number three on their 50 Greatest Saturday Night Live Sketches of All Time list, calling it Timberlake's best song post-FutureSex/LoveSounds.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-lists/50-greatest-saturday-night-live-sketches-of-all-time-12735/3-dick-in-a-box-23787/|title=50 Greatest Saturday Night Live Sketches of All Time – 3. Dick in a Box|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=February 3, 2014|first1=Steve|last1=Ciabattoni|first2=Jon|last2=Dolan|first3=Kory|last3=Grow|first4=Maura|last4=Johnston|author4-link=Maura Johnston |first5=Al|last5=Shipley|first6=Jessica|last6=Suarez|first7=Gwynne|last7=Watkins|first8=Christopher|last8=R. Weingarten|accessdate=February 3, 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716135726/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-lists/50-greatest-saturday-night-live-sketches-of-all-time-12735/3-dick-in-a-box-23787|archivedate=July 16, 2021|url-status=live}}

On July 19, 2007, it was announced that "Dick in a Box" had received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.{{cite magazine|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722162210/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/justin-timberlakes-dick-in-a-box-nominated-for-an-emmy-99234/|archivedate=July 22, 2021|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/justin-timberlakes-dick-in-a-box-nominated-for-an-emmy-99234/|title=Justin Timberlake's 'Dick in a Box' Nominated For An Emmy|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=July 19, 2007|accessdate=July 19, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2007/07/new_york_magazine_starmakers.html|title='New York' Magazine: Star-Makers!|work=Vulture|date=July 19, 2017|accessdate=July 19, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126191452/https://www.vulture.com/2007/07/new_york_magazine_starmakers.html|archivedate=November 26, 2020|url-status=live}} Other nominees in the category included "My Drunken Irish Dad" (from Family Guy), "Merry Ex-Mas" (from MADtv), "Everything Comes Down to Poo", and "Guy Love" (both from Scrubs).{{cite web|url=https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2007/outstanding-original-music-and-lyrics|title=Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics – 2007|publisher=Academy of Television Arts & Sciences|accessdate=July 22, 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428132052/https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2007/outstanding-original-music-and-lyrics|archivedate= April 28, 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite press release|url=http://www.emmys.tv/awards/2007pt/59thnominations.php|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070808153113/http://www.emmys.tv/awards/2007pt/59thnominations.php|title=The 59th Primetime Emmy® Awards and Creative Arts Emmy® Awards Nominees|publisher=Academy of Television Arts & Sciences|accessdate=July 23, 2021|archivedate=August 8, 2007|date=July 2007}} The songwriters won the award at the 59th Primetime Creative Arts ceremony on September 8.{{cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=3576961|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070915091018/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=3576961|archivedate=September 15, 2007|title=Racy Timberlake 'Box' Video Wins Emmy|publisher=ABC News|first=Michael|last=Cidon|agency=Associated Press|location=Los Angeles|date=September 8, 2007|accessdate=September 8, 2007}}{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620120208/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6986065.stm|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6986065.stm|archivedate=June 20, 2021|title=Timberlake's box spoof wins Emmy|publisher=BBC News|date=September 9, 2007|accessdate=September 9, 2017|url-status=live}} "Dick in a Box" was credited for setting a precedent for more explicit material to earn nominations and win in the Emmy music-related categories.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2017/09/crazy-ex-girlfriend-song-we-tapped-that-ass-emmys-1201876297/|title='Crazy Ex-Girlfriend' Used the 'Dick in a Box' Emmys Strategy for 'We Tapped That Ass'|publisher=IndieWire|first=Hanh|last=Nguyen|date=September 14, 2017|accessdate=September 14, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125184131/https://www.indiewire.com/2017/09/crazy-ex-girlfriend-song-we-tapped-that-ass-emmys-1201876297/|archivedate=January 25, 2021|url-status=live}}

On February 7, 2007, Timberlake and Samberg gave a surprise performance of "Dick in a Box" for the first time at the Madison Square Garden during Timberlake's concert tour FutureSex/LoveShow.{{cite web|url=http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-News-Blog/Todays-News/Timberlake-Snler-Bring/800008005|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706182150/http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-News-Blog/Todays-News/Timberlake-Snler-Bring/800008005|archivedate=July 6, 2008|title=Timberlake, SNLer Bring their "D—k" to the Garden|work=TV Guide|date=February 7, 2007|accessdate=February 7, 2017}} The duo sang in front of a sold-out stadium of 18,000 people, including rapper P. Diddy, Donald Trump and his wife Melania.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1551895/20070208/timberlake_justin.jhtml|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070402150543/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1551895/20070208/timberlake_justin.jhtml|archivedate=April 2, 2007|location=New York|title=Timberlake, Samberg Whip Out The Boxes At New York Show|publisher=MTV|first=Caryn|last=Ganz|date=February 8, 2007|accessdate=February 8, 2017}} They performed the track as an encore, beginning with an announcer introducing them as a new band that had "the most-watched video on YouTube".{{cite web|url=https://people.com/celebrity/justin-timberlake-andy-samberg-reunite-at-nyc-concert/|title=Justin Timberlake, Andy Samberg Reunite at NYC Concert|work=People|date=February 8, 2007|accessdate=February 8, 2017|first=Lesley|last=Messer|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125204521/https://people.com/celebrity/justin-timberlake-andy-samberg-reunite-at-nyc-concert/|archivedate=January 25, 2021|url-status=live}} The singers wore the characters' costumes and facial hair from the sketch, with a gift box attached below the belt. Samberg changed the holiday lyrics to "Valentine's Day... Flag Day... Kwanzaa", while Timberlake was giggling as he delivered the deadpan lines.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1055146/justin-timberlake-feb-7-2007-new-york-madison-square-garden|title=Justin Timberlake / Feb. 7, 2007 / New York (Madison Square Garden)|magazine=Billboard|date=February 9, 2007|accessdate=February 9, 2007|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104061301/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1055146/justin-timberlake-feb-7-2007-new-york-madison-square-garden|archivedate=4 November 2017|url-status=live}} At one point, Timberlake fell on his knee and sang the line "All across America, a dick in a box." After the song, Timberlake came back onstage and apologized, "I'm sorry if I offended some of you, but I could not resist."

Billboard felt the surprise performance "was hilarious if wholly unnecessary". Caryn Ganz of MTV wrote that the singers struggled with the nasal vocal performance and the song "landed a bit awkwardly in context". Ganz, however, noted that the audience "went truly berserk" with the performance. Amelia McDonell-Parry of Rolling Stone wrote "Samberg hardly has the pipes to fill an arena, but no one seemed to mind."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/02/08/jt-brings-sexy-dick-in-a-box-to-msg/|title=J.T. Brings Sexy, Dick in a Box to MSG|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210053156/https://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/02/08/jt-brings-sexy-dick-in-a-box-to-msg/|archivedate=February 10, 2007|accessdate=April 2, 2017|date=February 8, 2007|first=Amelia|last=McDonell-Parry|url-status=dead|magazine=Rolling Stone}} Timberlake, who was absent during the Primetime Creative Arts ceremony on September 8, celebrated after being notified of his Emmy win by performing a piano rendition of the song at the Tacoma Dome, Washington.{{cite web|url=http://threeimaginarygirls.com/justintimberlake07sep|title=Justin Timberlake: Live in Tacoma|website=Three Imaginary Girls|date=September 11, 2007|accessdate=September 11, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071113043427/http://threeimaginarygirls.com/justintimberlake07sep|archivedate=November 13, 2007}} Samberg was willing to perform "Dick in a Box" with Timberlake at the main 59th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony, held in Los Angeles on September 16. The Emmy Awards producers were reportedly unsure about airing the explicit content and asked the duo to come up with a more family-friendly version of the track.{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/gossip/planetgossip/detail/index.jsp?uuid=efd2895c-aead-46a0-b324-444e06321c72|title=Emmy Update: Timberlake Not Doing "Dick"? Plus, Kanye Signs On|website=E! Online|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071104094224/http://www.eonline.com/gossip/planetgossip/detail/index.jsp?uuid=efd2895c-aead-46a0-b324-444e06321c72|first=Marc|last=Malkin|date=September 5, 2007|archivedate=November 4, 2007|accessdate=September 15, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.vulture.com/2007/09/emmy_dickwatch_will_justin_and.html|title=Emmy DickWatch: Will Justin and Andy Get to Sing?|work=Vulture|date=September 6, 2007|accessdate=September 16, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929135822/http://www.vulture.com/2007/09/emmy_dickwatch_will_justin_and.html|archivedate=September 29, 2018|url-status=live}} The singers rejected the idea, and the performance was canceled.{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2007/09/emmy_dickwatch_prepare_to_be_d.html|title=Emmy DickWatch: Prepare to Be Disappointed|work=Vulture|date=September 14, 2007|accessdate=September 16, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125103050/https://www.vulture.com/2007/09/emmy_dickwatch_prepare_to_be_d.html|archivedate=November 25, 2020|url-status=live}} In February 2025, Samberg performed "Dick in a Box" with Lady Gaga during SNL's Homecoming Concert, a special musical event in celebration of the show's 50th anniversary.{{cite magazine|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215075137/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lady-gaga-dick-in-a-box-snl-50-andy-samberg-lonely-island-1235269110/|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lady-gaga-dick-in-a-box-snl-50-andy-samberg-lonely-island-1235269110/|title=Lady Gaga Sings 'Dick in A Box' With Andy Samberg at 'SNL 50'|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Charisma|last=Madarang|date=February 14, 2025|accessdate=February 14, 2025|archivedate=February 15, 2025}}

The online release of "Dick in a Box" resulted in many users filming response videos on YouTube, in which they either present their own gift box or give instructions on how to do the box.{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2006/12/dick-box/|title='Dick in a Box'|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722134535/https://www.spin.com/2006/12/dick-box/|archivedate=July 22, 2021|work=Spin|date=December 27, 2006|accessdate=December 27, 2006|url-status=live}} Leah Kauffman, who was a Temple University student, wrote and recorded a parody from the female perspective of the sketch, titled "My Box in a Box".{{cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/another-lonelygirl-box_n_38553|title=Another LonelyGirl? 'Box In A Box' Star Actually A Whole Bunch Of People|date=January 12, 2007|accessdate=January 12, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723142405/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/another-lonelygirl-box_n_38553|archivedate=July 23, 2021|work=HuffPost}}{{cite web|url=https://temple-news.com/think-in-the-box/|title=Think in the box|date=January 23, 2007|accessdate=January 23, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411082311/https://temple-news.com/think-in-the-box/|archivedate=11 April 2021|url-status=live|work=The Temple News|first=Chrissy|last=Reese}} The track's music video showed a woman lip sync to Kauffman's vocals and dance around with a gift-wrapped box in front of her crotch. The video had attracted more than three million views by January 2007. American band Umphrey's McGee covered "Dick in a Box" as an encore on December 31, 2006, at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago.{{cite magazine|title=Why Live Concert Streaming Has Yet To Take Off|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/digital-and-mobile/5915586/why-live-concert-streaming-has-yet-to-take-off|accessdate=July 7, 2016|date=February 21, 2014|magazine=Billboard|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201220210/https://www.billboard.com/articles/5915586/why-live-concert-streaming-has-yet-to-take-off/|archivedate=December 1, 2020|first=Steve|last=Knopper}}{{cite web|url=https://dailycollegian.com/2007/01/ringing-in-the-new-year-with-umphreys-mcgee/|title=Ringing in the New Year with Umphrey's McGee|first=Lauren|last=Modisette|date=January 24, 2007|accessdate=January 24, 2017|work=The Massachusetts Daily Collegian|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723145630/https://dailycollegian.com/2007/01/ringing-in-the-new-year-with-umphreys-mcgee/|archivedate=July 23, 2021}} In "Koi Pond", an episode of the sixth season of the American comedy television series The Office, Michael Scott (portrayed by Steve Carell) dresses in a suit similar to Samberg and Timberlake's characters, with a box wrapped as a present attached to his waist, while slipping a noose around his neck and faking a hanging to scare a group of young visitors.{{cite news|website=E! Online|last1=Finn|first1=Natalie|title=The Office's Mock-Hanging No Laughing Matter for Mental Health Groups|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/152415/the-office-s-mock-hanging-no-laughing-matter-for-mental-health-groups|accessdate=July 7, 2016|date=November 5, 2009|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610210814/https://www.eonline.com/news/152415/the-office-s-mock-hanging-no-laughing-matter-for-mental-health-groups|archivedate=June 10, 2020|url-status=live}} On an episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, aired in January 2007, Ellen DeGeneres performed a jingle for AQUA2GO water drink boxes to the tune of "Dick in a Box".{{cite web|url=http://www.wateronthego.com/pressrelease.php|title=AQUA2GO Press Releases|accessdate=January 21, 2007|publisher=Esgee Enterprises|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070204035653/http://www.wateronthego.com/pressrelease.php|archivedate=February 4, 2007}}{{harvnb|DeBaise|2009|page=137}} The following month, Facebook created a virtual gift shop for Valentine's Day that included a box with a bow on top and a hole cut into one of its sides.{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2007/02/07/facebook-testing-virtual-gifts/|title=Facebook Testing Virtual Gifts|first=Michael|last=Arrington|date=February 8, 2007|publisher=TechCrunch|accessdate=February 9, 2017|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070209050152/https://techcrunch.com/2007/02/07/facebook-testing-virtual-gifts/|archivedate=February 9, 2007|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://static.ak.facebook.com/images/gifts/20.png|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070211234037/http://static.ak.facebook.com/images/gifts/20.png|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 11, 2007|title=Facebook Virtual Gift: The Box|publisher=Facebook|accessdate=February 9, 2007}}

File:2014 Dragon Con Cosplay - Dick in a Box (15120672941).jpg 2014]]

Like "Lazy Sunday", "Dick in a Box" has found a wider audience during its online release than the initial television broadcast. The sketch, which has been rebroadcast over the years,{{cite web|url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/SNL-Presents-Very-Gilly-Christmas-Airs-Thursday-Night-21776.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722112913/https://www.cinemablend.com/television/SNL-Presents-Very-Gilly-Christmas-Airs-Thursday-Night-21776.html|archivedate=July 22, 2021|title=SNL Presents A Very Gilly Christmas Airs Thursday Night|first=Kelly|last=West|date=December 16, 2009|accessdate=December 16, 2009|work=Cinema Blend|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.goliath.com/tv/the-10-greatest-moments-in-the-history-of-saturday-night-live/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228220746/https://www.goliath.com/tv/the-10-greatest-moments-in-the-history-of-saturday-night-live/|archivedate=February 28, 2021|title=The 10 Greatest Moments in the History of Saturday Night Live|first=Jack|last=Sackman|date=2016|work=Goliath|url-status=live}} has become one of the most popular SNL sketches and widely recognized as one of The Lonely Island's signature songs. The viral video helped solidify The Lonely Island as a stand-alone comic act. In an interview with Esquire in 2013, Samberg said, "[Michaels] says the thing you're known for will be in quotes in the middle of your name. He's Lorne 'SNL' Michaels, and I'm Andy 'Dick in a Box' Samberg."{{cite web|url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/interviews/a24272/andy-samberg-interview-0913/|title=Andy Samberg: The ESQ&A|publication-date=September 2013|date=August 8, 2013|first=Andy|last=Samberg|author-link=Andy Samberg|accessdate=September 10, 2013|work=Esquire|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028004311/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/interviews/a24272/andy-samberg-interview-0913/|archivedate=October 28, 2020}} Terri Schwartz of IFC opined "'Lazy Sunday' might have been the first Lonely Island Digital Short to be featured on SNL, but it was 'Dick in a Box' that made the Digital Short one of the most anticipated skits on the improv series."{{cite web|url=http://www.ifc.com/2013/03/snl-sketch-showdown-lazy-sunday-vs-dick-in-a-box|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629093853/http://www.ifc.com/2013/03/snl-sketch-showdown-lazy-sunday-vs-dick-in-a-box|archivedate=June 29, 2017|title=SNL Sketch Showdown: 'Lazy Sunday' vs. 'Dick in a Box'|publisher=IFC|date=March 27, 2013|accessdate=March 27, 2013|url-status=live|first=Terri|last=Schwartz|work=IFC }} Many people have since chosen costumes similar to those of Timberlake and Samberg for Halloween.{{cite web|url=https://www.thepitchkc.com/the-dick-isnt-in-the-box/|title=The Dick Isn't in the Box|work=The Pitch|date=October 29, 2007|first=Eric|last=Barton|archivedate=23 July 2021|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20210723165357/https://www.thepitchkc.com/the-dick-isnt-in-the-box/|accessdate=July 23, 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/the-best-snl-skits/dick-in-a-box|title=The 35 Best SNL Skits: 18. Dick in a Box|first1=Julia|last1=Pimentel|work=Complex|first2=Lauren|last2=Otis|first3=Andrew|last3=Gruttadaro|date=February 7, 2018|accessdate=February 7, 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123173326/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/the-best-snl-skits/|archivedate= November 23, 2020|url-status=live}} Samberg was flattered by the costume trend, while Wiig was astonished by it, saying, "It was crazy. So I did expect it because I knew it was funny, but you never expect the level to which it goes."{{cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/chicago/film/andy-samberg-interview|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309061627/https://www.timeout.com/chicago/film/andy-samberg-interview|archivedate=March 9, 2021|url-status=live|title=Andy Samberg – Interview|work=Time Out|first=Novid|last=Parsi|date=June 12, 2012|accessdate=June 12, 2012}} Samberg and Timberlake's costumes are also displayed at Saturday Night Live: The Exhibition, an exhibition about a week in the show's life on New York's Fifth Avenue.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/janelevere/2015/05/30/live-from-new-york-its-snl-the-exhibition/|title=Live From New York, It's Saturday Night Live: The Exhibition!|magazine=Forbes|date=May 30, 2015|accessdate=September 17, 2015|first=Jane|last=Levere|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717061958/https://www.forbes.com/sites/janelevere/2015/05/30/live-from-new-york-its-snl-the-exhibition/?sh=49bf53901ccf|archivedate=July 17, 2021|url-status=live}}

Jorma recalled the working experience with Timberlake has become their standard, saying, "Getting to work with someone as wildly talented as Justin Timberlake, getting to spend maybe four days with him... That was amazing." "Dick in a Box" has inspired many subsequent sketches by The Lonely Island, including the similar-themed "Jizz In My Pants" and "I Just Had Sex", and has spawned two sequels, where Timberlake and Samberg reprised their roles. In "Motherlover" (2009), broadcast during the 34th season, the duo sings about their desire to have sex with each other's mothers (played by Patricia Clarkson and Susan Sarandon) as a tribute to Mother's Day.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1611014/justin-timberlake-andy-samberg-reunite-for-motherlover-on-snl|title=Justin Timberlake, Andy Samberg Reunite For 'Motherlover' On SNL|publisher=MTV|date=May 12, 2009|access-date=May 12, 2019|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150902010047/http://www.mtv.com/news/1611014/justin-timberlake-andy-samberg-reunite-for-motherlover-on-snl|archive-date=September 2, 2015|url-status=dead}} They find themselves invited to a threesome with a girl they met at the Payless ShoeSource (played by Lady Gaga) in season 36's "3-Way (The Golden Rule)" (2011).{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/justin-timberlake-and-lady-gaga-have-3-way-with-lonely-island-on-snl-61135/|title=Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga Have '3-Way' with Lonely Island on SNL|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=May 23, 2011|accessdate=May 23, 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917174702/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/justin-timberlake-and-lady-gaga-have-3-way-with-lonely-island-on-snl-61135/|archivedate=September 17, 2020|url-status=live}} "Motherlover" was released as a single in 2011 and appeared on The Lonely Island's second studio album, Turtleneck & Chain (2011);{{cite web|url=http://thelonelyisland.blogspot.com/2011/04/motherlover-on-itunes.html|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120718035104/http://thelonelyisland.blogspot.de/2011/04/motherlover-on-itunes.html|archivedate=July 18, 2012|title=Motherlover on iTunes!|publisher=The Lonely Island|date=April 20, 2011|accessdate=April 20, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/turtleneck-chain-mw0002130105|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510195900/https://www.allmusic.com/album/turtleneck-chain-mw0002130105|archivedate=May 10, 2021|first=David|last=Jeffries|publisher=AllMusic|accessdate=May 10, 2021|title=The Lonely Island – Turtleneck & Chain|url-status=live}} while "3-Way (The Golden Rule)" was digitally released after the broadcast and appeared on the third studio album, The Wack Album (2013).{{cite web|url=http://thelonelyisland.blogspot.de/2011/05/3-way-golden-rule-on-itunes.html|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120724041549/http://thelonelyisland.blogspot.de/2011/05/3-way-golden-rule-on-itunes.html|archivedate=July 24, 2012|title='3-Way (The Golden Rule)' on iTunes!|publisher=The Lonely Island|date=April 20, 2011|accessdate=April 20, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-wack-album-mw0002545734|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512151604/https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-wack-album-mw0002545734|archivedate=May 12, 2021|first=Gregory|last=Heaney|publisher=AllMusic|accessdate=May 10, 2021|title=The Lonely Island – The Wack Album|url-status=live}} The duo also re-appeared on the special 100th Digital Short, which was broadcast in season 37 in May 2012.{{cite web|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2012/05/13/justin-bieber-usher-justin-timberlake-star-in-100th-snl-digital-short/|title=Justin Bieber, Usher, & Justin Timberlake Star in 100th SNL Digital Short|work=Rap-Up|date=May 13, 2012|accessdate=May 13, 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918105608/https://www.rap-up.com/2012/05/13/justin-bieber-usher-justin-timberlake-star-in-100th-snl-digital-short/|archivedate=September 18, 2020|url-status=live}}

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Incredibad.

Studio locations

• Mixed at Ansons Pocket Studio (Yorktown Heights, New York)
• Mastered at The Cutting Room (New York City, New York)

Personnel

• Andy Samberg{{spaced ndash}} lead vocals, songwriting
• Akiva Schaffer{{spaced ndash}} songwriting
• Jorma Taccone{{spaced ndash}} songwriting, producer
• Asa Taccone{{spaced ndash}} songwriting, producer
• Justin Timberlake{{spaced ndash}} lead vocals, songwriting
• Katreese Barnes{{spaced ndash}} songwriting, producer
• Brian Sperber{{spaced ndash}} mixing
• Tony Gillis{{spaced ndash}} mastering

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{refbegin|2}}

• {{cite episode|series=Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen|date=26 May 2016|accessdate=26 May 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716071526/https://www.bravotv.com/watch-what-happens-live-with-andy-cohen/season-13/episode-99/videos/akiva-on-directing-justin|url=https://www.bravotv.com/watch-what-happens-live-with-andy-cohen/season-13/episode-99/videos/akiva-on-directing-justin|archivedate=16 July 2021|title=Akiva Schaffer On Directing Justin Timberlake For SNL's 'Dick In A Box'|network=Bravo|season=13|ref={{harvid|Bravo|2016}}}}
• {{cite AV media notes|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt0spqQtMKg|title=D*** in a Box – SNL Digital Short|work=Saturday Night Live|date=December 4, 2018|accessdate=December 4, 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721102915/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt0spqQtMKg|archivedate=21 July 2021|url-status=live|via=YouTube|ref={{harvid|Saturday Night Live|2018}}}}
• {{cite web|url=http://nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/uncensored.shtml|title=Digital Short – Dick in a Box – Uncensored Version|publisher=NBC|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070105070924/http://nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/uncensored.shtml|archivedate=5 January 2007|accessdate=20 July 2021|url-status=dead|ref={{harvid|NBC|2007b}}}}
• {{cite AV media notes|url=https://www.bmi.com/video/entry/the_snl_controversial_song|title=Katreese Barnes Interview – The 2008 BMI Film/TV Awards|publisher=Broadcast Music, Inc.|publication-date=December 21, 2015|date=22 May 2008|accessdate=December 21, 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715094707/https://www.bmi.com/video/entry/the_snl_controversial_song|archivedate=15 July 2021|url-status=live|via=YouTube|type=Interview|ref={{harvid|Broadcast Music, Inc.|2008}}}}
• {{cite AV media notes|url=http://youtube.com/watch?v=1dmVU08zVpA|title=SNL – Digital Short – A Special Christmas Box *Uncensored Version|publisher=NBC|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061220130040/http://youtube.com/watch?v=1dmVU08zVpA|archivedate=20 December 2006|accessdate=20 July 2021|url-status=dead|via=YouTube|ref={{harvid|NBC|2006a}}}}
• {{cite AV media notes|url=http://youtube.com/watch?v=1dmVU08zVpA|title=SNL – Digital Short – A Special Christmas Box *Uncensored Version|publisher=NBC|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013100934/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dmVU08zVpA|archivedate=13 October 2007|accessdate=20 July 2021|url-status=dead|via=YouTube|ref={{harvid|NBC|2007a}}}}
• {{cite episode|title=Interview with Andy Samberg|series=Late Show with David Letterman|date=30 July 2007|network=CBS|first=Jerry|last=Foley|author-link=Jerry Foley|url=http://www.tvmaze.com/episodes/26770/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-2007-07-30-andy-samberg-catherine-bell-the-bravery|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526103045/http://www.tvmaze.com/episodes/26770/the-late-show-with-david-letterman-2007-07-30-andy-samberg-catherine-bell-the-bravery|archivedate=26 May 2017|accessdate=26 May 2017|url-status=live|via=TVMaze}}
• {{cite AV media notes|title='Dick in a Box' and 'Lazy Sunday' Writers On the Creation of Their Digital Shorts|work=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Mia|last=Galuppo|date=February 6, 2015|accessdate=February 6, 2015|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivIE7bul-VQ|type=Interview|via=YouTube|archive-date=March 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312021631/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivIE7bul-VQ|url-status=live}} [https://archive.today/20210716144023/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/snl-writer-reveals-origins-dick-770224/ Transcript archived on 16 July 2021].
• {{cite episode|series=Fresh Air|url=https://www.npr.org/2010/10/06/130356030/timberlake-on-n-sync-acting-and-bringing-sexy-back|title=Timberlake On 'N Sync, Acting And Bringing Sexy Back|date=October 6, 2010|network=NPR|accessdate=May 27, 2011|type=Audio interview|first=Terry|last=Gross|author-link=Terry Gross|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508172140/https://www.npr.org/2010/10/06/130356030/timberlake-on-n-sync-acting-and-bringing-sexy-back|archivedate=8 May 2021|url-status=live|time=9:21–12:18}}
• {{cite AV media notes|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/dick-in-box-feat.-justin-timberlake/id302961443|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307104213/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/dick-in-box-feat.-justin-timberlake/id302961443|archivedate=March 7, 2016|url-status=dead|title=Dick In a Box (feat. Justin Timberlake)|author=The Lonely Island|publisher=Universal Republic|via=iTunes Store|accessdate=July 22, 2018|location=Australia|df=mdy-all|ref={{harvid|Universal Republic|2009b}}|year=2009}}
• {{cite AV media notes|title=Incredibad|author=The Lonely Island|year=2009|publisher=Universal Republic|location=United States|id=B0012576-00|url=http://www.thelonelyisland.com/discography/incredibad/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303015209/http://www.thelonelyisland.com/discography/incredibad/|archivedate=3 March 2021|url-status=live|accessdate=3 March 2021|asin=B001NY4WLA|ref={{harvid|Universal Republic|2009a}}}}
• {{cite AV media notes|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/incredibad/1440771952|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20200910175655/https://music.apple.com/us/album/incredibad/1440771952|archivedate=September 10, 2020|title=Incredibad|author=The Lonely Island|publisher=Universal Republic|year=2009|via=iTunes Store|location=United States|url-status=live|accessdate=April 13, 2019|df=mdy-all|ref={{harvid|Universal Republic|2009c}}}}

{{refend}}

{{refbegin|2}}

• {{cite book|title=Celeb 2.0: How Social Media Foster Our Fascination with Popular Culture|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aVCPQBqM9rsC&pg=PA93|first=Kelli S.|last=Burns|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2009|isbn=978-0313356889|section=Television Moments on the Web|page=93|via=Google Books|access-date=July 23, 2021|archive-date=July 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722080456/https://books.google.com/books?id=aVCPQBqM9rsC&pg=PA93|url-status=live}}
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• {{cite book|title=The Wall Street Journal. Complete Small Business Guidebook|first=Colleen|last=DeBaise|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r_dxNAdfphEC&pg=PA137|publisher=Crown|year=2009|isbn=978-0307462589|via=Google Books|section=Strategy: Shoot for the Stars|page=137|access-date=July 23, 2021|archive-date=July 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723153220/https://books.google.com/books?id=r_dxNAdfphEC&pg=PA137|url-status=live}}
• {{cite book|title=Broadcast and Internet Indecency: Defining Free Speech|first=Jeremy|last=Lipschultz|publisher=Routledge|year=2008|pages=176–178|section=Box 10.3. Saturday Night Live censored skit plays on YouTube|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kTSPAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA176|via=Google Books|isbn=978-1135596286|access-date=July 23, 2021|archive-date=July 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722112229/https://books.google.com/books?id=kTSPAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA176|url-status=live}}
• {{cite news|accessdate=13 February 2016|title=NBC.com reclaims 'Lazy Sunday' Video|first=Mike|last=Musgrove|agency=The Washington Post|page=5C|work=The Journal Times|via=Newspaper.com|url-access=subscription|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/343437360|date=19 February 2006|archive-date=July 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717072524/http://www.newspapers.com/image/343437360/|url-status=live}}
• {{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rzz14-8sFKYC&pg=PA32|via=Google Books|page=32|title=The Inquisition: Tough Question for Andy Samberg|work=Spin|date=March 2009|accessdate=19 July 2021|first=John|last=Sellers|issn=0886-3032|volume=25|issue=3|archive-date=July 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719120134/https://books.google.com/books?id=Rzz14-8sFKYC&pg=PA32|url-status=live}}
• {{cite book|title=Music in Comedy Television: Notes on Laughs|editor-first1=Liz|editor-last1=Giuffre|editor-first2=Philip|editor-last2=Hayward|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bS-EDgAAQBAJ&pg=PA178|publisher=Routledge|year=2017|isbn=978-1317273561|via=Google Books|chapter=Chapter 9: The Lonely Island "SNL Digital Short" as Music Video Parody, Building on Saturday Night Live{{'}}s Legacy|pages=138–|first=Penny|last=Spirou}}

{{refend}}

• {{YouTube|Rt0spqQtMKg|"D*** in a Box (SNL Digital Short)"}}

{{Saturday Night Live}}

{{The Lonely Island}}

{{Justin Timberlake songs}}

{{EmmyAward MusicLyrics}}

Category:2006 songs

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